§ 39. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in order to maintain the employment position in the Highlands when the hydroelectricity schemes are completed, once merchandise timber is available, if he will take steps to encourage saw millers and processers of wood to establish themselves in the area by private enterprise, or by amending the terms of reference of the Forestry Commission in Scotland.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe programme of Highland development envisages an increase in the sawmilling and woodworking industries when the forestry programme comes into full effect, but at present the production from Highland forests is largely in pitwood and thinnings. The Government will do everything possible to encourage private firms to establish themselves in the area. The Forestry Commission have already powers to establish and carry on woodland industries, and no amendment to these powers is therefore necessary.
§ Lord Malcolm Douglas-HamiltonWill the Secretary of State bear in mind that some of the timber of the Forestry Commission in the Highlands is already maturing and therefore there is need for haste in these matters if we are not to see the present timber being grown in the Highlands sent South?
§ Mr. StuartI can assure my noble Friend that the Forestry Commission are alive to this position and that they have plans under consideration.